Why is Hegseth cutting 20 percent of US general and admiral positions?
The overhaul could reshape the US military as Hegseth faces scrutiny over senior officers’ removal.

The overhaul could reshape the US military as Hegseth faces scrutiny over senior officers’ removal.



![US President Donald Trump meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, in Panmunjom, South Korea, June 30, 2019 [Kevin Lamarque/Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/reuters_6a8ea146-1787732294.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Families of the Pakistani hostage crew members of the Oil Products Tanker the HONOUR 25 that was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia, hold placards during a protest, calling the government to take immediate action for the safe return of their loved ones, in Karachi, Pakistan May 13, 2026 [Akhtar Soomro/Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-05-13T163709Z_695911426_RC2B8LAGSPRK_RTRMADP_3_PAKISTAN-PIRACY-SOMALIA-1790727625.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)


![Ethiopian army chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula [File:Kumera Gemechu/Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2025-09-14T120316Z_2108197546_RC2KRGAPGG8L_RTRMADP_3_ETHIOPIA-DAM-CELEBRATIONS-1790687071.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)

Both sides remain interested in a diplomatic settlement but differ on how to achieve one.
The move marks the fourth military expansion this year as Russia’s war in Ukraine seemingly stalls.
Experts say use of modified Iranian defence system could alter the balance in the fight for the Red Sea.
Lebanese are anticipating continued Israeli aggression in Lebanon after the election.

The US and Iran are talking through mediators, but there are major differences over what a deal should look like.

UK Defence Minister Wes Streeting said it was ‘too soon’ to blame a foreign state for a suspected plot near RAF Fairford
Nearly half a million people are displaced in Rakhine as a result of the conflict between the military and rebel groups.

There are reports of casualties in Baidoa where forces have launched attacks, triggering fighting with federal troops.

Al Jazeera reports from Ethiopia’s Afar region, where fighting has spread amid efforts to oust PM Abiy Ahmed.
Five men were arrested on suspicion of the ‘preparation of a terrorist act’ near RAF Fairford, a base used by the US.